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NHL Western Conference Quarterpole Review
By admin | November 16, 2011
Many expected the Western Conference in the NHL would be the toughest conference and the records of the best teams are bearing this out.
The top team in the Western Conference is the Chicago Blackhawks with 25 points and after them the field bunches up tightly.
The surprising Minnesota Wild, double-digit underdogs to win the conference, are leading their division with 23 points over another long shot team in the Edmonton Oilers that has 20 points. Both teams are doing well despite having the defending conference champs, the Vancouver Canucks on their heels. Many anticipated the Canucks having a Stanley Cup runner-up hangover but they are in the mix.
The Dallas Stars are another division leader that can run away with the Pacific division. They have 22 points in the tightest division on the board. The Phoenix Coyotes trail the Stars by one and the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings are nipping at their heels with 19 points.
The Western Conference was home to the best teams last year but the Boston Bruins brought the Stanley Cup home despite not being the best team in the tournament.
The Kings are a disappointment after a quick start. Many expected the Kings to dominate the Pacific as a 12-1 shot to win the conference and now they have some work to do to get back on top of Dallas.
The Anaheim Ducks demise has been swift but not completely unexpected. The team is aging by the day and they will need to reload by the middle of the season to give some young up and comers a good look.
Make sure to check out the updated Stanley Cup odds at your favorite online sportsbook.
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